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New type of river dolphin is discovered
An Amazon river dolphin – now scientists say they have discovered a new species, for the first time in nearly 100 years
An Amazon river dolphin – now scientists say they have discovered a new species, for the first time in nearly 100 years

First discovery of its type in nearly 100 years

Scientists in Brazil say they have identified a new species of river dolphin, the first to be discovered in nearly 100 years.

River dolphins are among the most endangered mammals in the world.
The new species was found in the Araguaia River Basin in Brazil.

Researchers from the  Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) and the National Research Institute of the Amazon (INPA) in Brazil and  say the species separated from other Amazonian dolphins more than two million years ago.

"This discovery highlights the immensity of the deficit in our knowledge of Neotrpical biodiversity, as well as vulnerability of  biodiversity to anthropogenic actions in an increasingly threatened landscape," wrote lead author Tomas Hrbek in the journal Plos One .

The research paper added that three of the four existing species of river dolphin are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list as under threat.

See the findings in full at Plos One.

Image (C) Benjli/Wikimedia

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'